The Mail Bag
Yak and formations
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During recent games I have been increasingly aware that Yakubu's work rate is almost zilch. I can't remember the last time we had a forward who was less mobile. A lot was made about it when he first arrived and it was widely publicised that he would have to adopt the team ethic of working hard. However as the goals arrived and this seems to have been forgotten about.
I attended yesterday's game and it was evident that he barely gets past a trot to close players down and offers little off the ball running when in possession. When Saha came he demonstrated how forward play should be, his movement was superb whether he was darting in behind or showing for the ball. Vaughan and Saha as a combination would offer far more in terms of movement and work rate.
I am not suggesting we drop Yakubu because clearly we couldn't manage without the Yak's goals but I think Moyes needs to get canny with him and point out that Vaughan and Saha would offer more to the team. The rest of the team is entitled to more from him in terms of effort. I think it is especially relevant as we were effectively playing 4-4-2 yesterday (even in the first half Cahill was playing off the Yak). With less numbers in midfield defending really needs to start from the front or we will get exposed.
Carl Rutherford, Posted 22/09/2008 at 16:25:48
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Balls.
The Yak does his bit, in fact for my liking, he almost does too much. That was the problem with Johnson, and Beattie before him. I’d sooner employ a striker who will hit the target 9 times out of 10 than someone who puts in a decent shift. Even the worst defenders in the league can match effort with most players; it’s the flash of skill or the clinical finish that separates the best from the rest.
Seriously, as I near the end of this reply, I wonder whether I’ve duped in to posting against a wind up. Part of me hopes I’ve been gullible.
The Yak does his bit, in fact for my liking, he almost does too much. That was the problem with Johnson, and Beattie before him. I’d sooner employ a striker who will hit the target 9 times out of 10 than someone who puts in a decent shift. Even the worst defenders in the league can match effort with most players; it’s the flash of skill or the clinical finish that separates the best from the rest.
Seriously, as I near the end of this reply, I wonder whether I’ve duped in to posting against a wind up. Part of me hopes I’ve been gullible.
You're talking rubbish mate, I'm afraid..
"Yakubu is a fat lazy git who doesn?t run"
How many times has that been said?
But he is also a fox in the box and that?s what counts. he wasn?t bought for pace or workrate, but his touch is good and he can score goals when others wouldn?t have a clue.
How many times has that been said?
But he is also a fox in the box and that?s what counts. he wasn?t bought for pace or workrate, but his touch is good and he can score goals when others wouldn?t have a clue.
^^^ what they said, Carl.
The sooner our back 4 realise that the innacurate long punts up field aren’t going to be chased into the corner the better.
Of course it would be nice if he could close down people more, but if that is at the expense of his ability to put the ball in the back of the net, or do something useful with it when he has it, then I’m happy for his workrate to stay as it is.
The sooner our back 4 realise that the innacurate long punts up field aren’t going to be chased into the corner the better.
Of course it would be nice if he could close down people more, but if that is at the expense of his ability to put the ball in the back of the net, or do something useful with it when he has it, then I’m happy for his workrate to stay as it is.
Being in Australia, and not getting the chance to watch the matches only highlights, I can’t judge the Yak’s work rate. However, he scored plenty of goals (many of them crucial) last season. He is our leading scorer this season (Though Cahill will give him a run for his money).
Personally, if he continues to score I don’t care if doesn’t run himself into the ground to do it. A successful and regular goal scorer is worth more than a successful workhorse who only occasionally scores goals.
Our current problems remain in defense not so much attack. With the goals scored so far, this season, a couple of clean sheets would have seen us in the top 5.
Personally, if he continues to score I don’t care if doesn’t run himself into the ground to do it. A successful and regular goal scorer is worth more than a successful workhorse who only occasionally scores goals.
Our current problems remain in defense not so much attack. With the goals scored so far, this season, a couple of clean sheets would have seen us in the top 5.
How the hell can you start to dis the Yak? He’s a centre forward, one who scores goals. End of.
Leave the yak alone, just feed him !!
Absolute rubbish mate. Yak is quality, goal every other game, strike rate only 2nd to Henry. We should stick him out the wing to accommodate Jimmy sicknote??? Your ?avin a laff mate......
We bought the boy from Middlesbro?
THE YAK, THE YAK!!
He took his time but now he?s fine
THE YAK,THE YAK!!
He?s big, he?s blue, he?s 22
He scored gainst them,
He?ll score gainst you!
Who needs Torres????
We?ve got YAK-U-BU!!!!!!!!
We bought the boy from Middlesbro?
THE YAK, THE YAK!!
He took his time but now he?s fine
THE YAK,THE YAK!!
He?s big, he?s blue, he?s 22
He scored gainst them,
He?ll score gainst you!
Who needs Torres????
We?ve got YAK-U-BU!!!!!!!!
"I can’t remember the last time we had a forward who was less mobile"
I find it hard to remember the last time we had a forward who was so reliable in front of goal.
Yak was brought in to score goals not defend. He’s doing his bit at the moment. How much more effort do you want from him?
I find it hard to remember the last time we had a forward who was so reliable in front of goal.
Yak was brought in to score goals not defend. He’s doing his bit at the moment. How much more effort do you want from him?
I can't believe this post. The Yak not only takes a great percentage of his chances in front of goal but is also great at linking play too.
And I can't believe one of the papers yesterday stating that £15 million doesn't buy you much these days in regards to Fellaini. He's only been here 2 games and they're already hounding him.
There’s just no pleasing some people it seems. Maybe he should be playing in goal & shoring up the centre of defence at the same time as banging them in. In truth since he’s been with us I have become increasingly impressed at the standard of football the man plays. A truly classy & powerful striker. And one whose cheerful disposition rubs off on the rest of the team
Yakubu does his fair share, and his workrate has improved dramitically.
Why attack the Yak Carl? His goals are vital to us.
Why attack the Yak Carl? His goals are vital to us.
I missed the last game. So maybe its all being based on that singular game.
But for the rest of the games I’ve watched this year, he’s running his ass off, heading back into midfield and at times setting HIMSELF up.
But for the rest of the games I’ve watched this year, he’s running his ass off, heading back into midfield and at times setting HIMSELF up.
’The rest of the team is entitled to more from him in terms of effort.’ What, like being our top goal scorer? Do us a favour and wind your neck in, if you want to criticise anyone have a pop at our defence for fucks sake.
Yak works hard, you are talking rubbish - pulls out wide, drops deep (maybe too much), makes things happen - great asset. Love the Yak!
Johnson’s willingness to run into the corner flags and chase a mindless punt actually became a major problem for us as the defence were all to eager to utilise his readiness and hoof their way out of trouble. Don’t get me started on his AJ’s goofy thumbs up to the perpetrator either!
With The Yak we’ve a far more astute striker, one whose strengths our midfield are beginning to recognise and play to. This in turn WILL result in us playing more attractive football as the defence learn to pass the ball to the midfield, not bypass them as has been done in the past, and they in turn will feed The Yak.
What I think has been happening is that the defenders are having a little more to think about than just clearing their lines. As they become more comfortable I think we’ll stop leaking goals.
I think Yakubu has been the catalyst and Moyes is beginning to realise what sort of football we want to see here. Individual errors need to be ironed out but I really hope that Moyes doesn’t change tact and revert to ’safety first’ and boot it into the corners again!
With The Yak we’ve a far more astute striker, one whose strengths our midfield are beginning to recognise and play to. This in turn WILL result in us playing more attractive football as the defence learn to pass the ball to the midfield, not bypass them as has been done in the past, and they in turn will feed The Yak.
What I think has been happening is that the defenders are having a little more to think about than just clearing their lines. As they become more comfortable I think we’ll stop leaking goals.
I think Yakubu has been the catalyst and Moyes is beginning to realise what sort of football we want to see here. Individual errors need to be ironed out but I really hope that Moyes doesn’t change tact and revert to ’safety first’ and boot it into the corners again!
Carl, You’re obviously smoking pot.
Carl! Living in Newcastle has seriously affected you.........to be expected really!
Get out of there quick FFS !
Get out of there quick FFS !
In all honesty I wouldn’t give a shit if he spent 89 minutes of the game sitting on his arse counting out his 50 odd thousand pounds he’s earnt for the week in the centre circle, as long as he scores in the match at some point. That’s what he’s paid to do, score goals. End of.
The Yak = Legend... I just pray to God we can kee him for the remainder of his best years. One of the very few positives in the team so far this season
I take the Johnson point, but I’m not asking him to run blindly into the corner.
My point is that we played 4 - 4 - 2 on Sunday we got exposed by at times and not just from set pieces. With 4 - 5 - 1 we could be more compact at it would be less of an issue, but with 2 up front you really need your forwards to at least close down the man in possesion. This is a part of the game that just doesn’t interest Yakubu. I think Saha had a great debut and should be in the starting 11 on that evidence, but we’ll struggle to accomodate him if the person alongside him doesn’t do some work.
Moyes was rightly hailed for demanding more of the Yak when we first signed him. However I think he is beginning to slip back into old habits and needs a reminder.
My point is that we played 4 - 4 - 2 on Sunday we got exposed by at times and not just from set pieces. With 4 - 5 - 1 we could be more compact at it would be less of an issue, but with 2 up front you really need your forwards to at least close down the man in possesion. This is a part of the game that just doesn’t interest Yakubu. I think Saha had a great debut and should be in the starting 11 on that evidence, but we’ll struggle to accomodate him if the person alongside him doesn’t do some work.
Moyes was rightly hailed for demanding more of the Yak when we first signed him. However I think he is beginning to slip back into old habits and needs a reminder.
I was at the game at Bolton away for his debut when we played 4-4-2 with him and AJ. I thought at first he looked a lazy cunt. AJ was running across him to get balls in the channel nearest to Yak - I thought he was lazy as hell. Then, a good ball into the danger area and he buys himself a yard and scores.
The guy is guaranteed goals ? he scores goals because he puts himself into areas where he can score from. What you want from him Carl is basically to become more like Drogba and I think I have only ever see Drogba do what Yak does and bully the defense with running.
Personally I think he?s the best striker we?ve had at the club in doneky's years... why change him? if they try ask him to do other things out wide they risk spoiling him.
No, its easy. Created chances and give him the ball in and around the box ? the more we do that the more he?d score. He?d be a 30 goal a season man if he played for any of the big 3.
The guy is guaranteed goals ? he scores goals because he puts himself into areas where he can score from. What you want from him Carl is basically to become more like Drogba and I think I have only ever see Drogba do what Yak does and bully the defense with running.
Personally I think he?s the best striker we?ve had at the club in doneky's years... why change him? if they try ask him to do other things out wide they risk spoiling him.
No, its easy. Created chances and give him the ball in and around the box ? the more we do that the more he?d score. He?d be a 30 goal a season man if he played for any of the big 3.
If you ask me I personaly think he tracks back too much and ends up really deep because of our midfields weaknesses and seemingly refusal to keep it on the deck.
I dont think anyone could ask anymore of the Yak if he keeps banging them in.
Also his distribution and awareness is second to none.
I dont think anyone could ask anymore of the Yak if he keeps banging them in.
Also his distribution and awareness is second to none.
Oh my God this says it all about some of our supporters!! Next you will be telling me that we are missing that box to box midfield general Carsley!!!!!
I hope Yak doesn?t move on Saturday and scores (AGAIN !!!!!!!). We?ve had AJ and Marcus Bent who would run all day but could not hit a bulls arse with a banjo!!
Please people lets learn a bit about what?s important in football and it certainly isn?t applauding our SKINT chairman cause he?s a Blue or slating the best finisher we?ve had since Lineker cause he doesn?t run around like a TWAT!!
Anyway Carl he won?t be here much longer if the Nigerians take over Newcastle! We can then buy back Bent , AJ and add Paul Dikov!! All hard working players !
ps: wasn?t it Yak who crossed for Ossie to equalise on Sunday??! Thought so ......
I hope Yak doesn?t move on Saturday and scores (AGAIN !!!!!!!). We?ve had AJ and Marcus Bent who would run all day but could not hit a bulls arse with a banjo!!
Please people lets learn a bit about what?s important in football and it certainly isn?t applauding our SKINT chairman cause he?s a Blue or slating the best finisher we?ve had since Lineker cause he doesn?t run around like a TWAT!!
Anyway Carl he won?t be here much longer if the Nigerians take over Newcastle! We can then buy back Bent , AJ and add Paul Dikov!! All hard working players !
ps: wasn?t it Yak who crossed for Ossie to equalise on Sunday??! Thought so ......
NONSENSE..... lay off the Yak, he has done more than anyone else.... He is in the team to score goals and he is doing that, he holds the ball up well and hardly ever makes a bad pass ? he even sets up goals as he did against Hull for Ossie?s goal -some people just have to knock players.... don't understand them - GET REAL
Yakubu is the best goalscorer the club has had in 20 years, end of!
Stick him in a 4-5-1 with 4 attacking midfielders (Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar and Osman) like for 3 months last year and the midfield create loads of chances and the Yak finishes them off.
I would even like to see a 4-3-3 with Vaughan and Saha (if fit) either side of Yakubu and Arteta, Fellaini, Cahill in midfield.
Of course its all relative due to who’s fit, in-form and who we are playing. The more quality players the better.
Stick him in a 4-5-1 with 4 attacking midfielders (Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar and Osman) like for 3 months last year and the midfield create loads of chances and the Yak finishes them off.
I would even like to see a 4-3-3 with Vaughan and Saha (if fit) either side of Yakubu and Arteta, Fellaini, Cahill in midfield.
Of course its all relative due to who’s fit, in-form and who we are playing. The more quality players the better.
Yakubu is a class act, simple as really. He does his job (scores goals) and he offers a lot in terms of quality and link up play in the final third.
His movement is one of his best assets, especially in the penalty box where he?s probably the best in the Prem. He?s definitely the most natural goalscorer we?ve had since Lineker.
Saha will also be an asset, he?s as talented as the Yak on his day albeit a little different. He?s left footed as well, there will be a nice balance when they play together.
His movement is one of his best assets, especially in the penalty box where he?s probably the best in the Prem. He?s definitely the most natural goalscorer we?ve had since Lineker.
Saha will also be an asset, he?s as talented as the Yak on his day albeit a little different. He?s left footed as well, there will be a nice balance when they play together.
25 goals in 44 games!! FFS how much do you want, Carl???
Sorry mate but Yakubu is our best forward since Sharpy.
What a load of rubbish, to think that you spent 10 minutes of your time constructing such a pointless post about a pointless subject.
The Yak scores goals...
To think, if we had a back four that could defend, we’d be more than sitting pretty near/top of the league..
What a bullet......
The Yak scores goals...
To think, if we had a back four that could defend, we’d be more than sitting pretty near/top of the league..
What a bullet......
Sorry mate but posting this you?ve exposed yourself as a bit of a muppet.
The Yak always had a rep of being a good Premier League goalscorer with a penchant for not moving much.
In his short time with us, he?s actually become more mobile, frequently dropping deep or wide to support our midfield. From a goalscoring point of view, is there any other player in the Premier League that has found the onion bag, so consistently, with so many clubs? I can?t think of any...
The Yak always had a rep of being a good Premier League goalscorer with a penchant for not moving much.
In his short time with us, he?s actually become more mobile, frequently dropping deep or wide to support our midfield. From a goalscoring point of view, is there any other player in the Premier League that has found the onion bag, so consistently, with so many clubs? I can?t think of any...
If Yak ran around like a blue arsed fly he wouldn’t have the energy to make that vital impact when it matters. Best EFC striker since Sharpy? More like best since Latchford! And come to think of it, he hardly ran around like an idiot did he?
This is absolute bollocks. The Yak is playing left wing at the moment and is beating his man and delivering decent crosses.
Your post just shows you know shit about football. All that huffing and puffing and hoofing at 140mph will get you nowhere. Football is played with the brain.
Your post just shows you know shit about football. All that huffing and puffing and hoofing at 140mph will get you nowhere. Football is played with the brain.
Workrate - workrate - workrate
You?re David Moyes you are and I claim my £5.
You?re David Moyes you are and I claim my £5.
You must be on heroine..... cannot run nevermind, must be able to score.
I CANNOT BELIEVE that people still are having a go at the Yak. HE SCORES GOALS. That is what he is there for and that is what he does...
Fuck me what do you want from him at all?
You are mistaken lad.
Fuck me what do you want from him at all?
You are mistaken lad.
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1 Posted 23/09/2008 at 14:09:27
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Would you prefer AJ back running around closing the goalkeeper and scoring 8 goals a season?
Yakubu is a fantastic Premiership striker and I wish people would get off his back.